"Early detection and an integrated pest management approach is essential (as) fall armyworms can cause significant crop damage depending on the host plant," Ms Grima said. "Symptoms of activity can include leaf damage including pinholes and defoliation in addition to small larvae."

As the species is new to Australia, Ms Grima said the pest's preferred host plants and the extent of damage it can cause to field grown crops, was still being determined.

"This exotic pest has a huge appetite from citrus, mango, melon, sweet corn and cucurbits through to sugar cane," Ms Grima said. "It's important to recognise not all crops are affected equally and melons for example do not appear to suffer from crop loss, but it is expected that sweet corn will be most susceptible to damage."

The fall armyworm (also known as spodoptera frugiperda) has been sighted in Bundaberg.

The fall armyworm (also known as spodoptera frugiperda) has been sighted in Bundaberg.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) confirmed the fall armyworm had been detected in Bundaberg.

"This is not unexpected as fall armyworm is highly mobile and can fly long distances with suitable weather conditions," the spokesman said.

"Fall armyworm is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Since 2016 it has rapidly spread to and throughout Africa, the Indian subcontinent, China and Southeast Asia.

"Since then it has been detected in Queensland at Bamaga, Croydon, South Johnstone, Tolga, Lakeland, the Burdekin, Bowen and now Bundaberg. Fall armyworm has also been detected in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia."

For more information, visit business.qld.gov.au/fallarmyworm.

To report a suspected sighting of the fall armyworm, phone the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.